Svoboda set for €5m Brighton switch as Venezia captain departs

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 21, 2026

Brighton are set to sign Venezia captain Michael Svoboda after triggering his €5 million release clause, with the Czech centre-back also having agreed personal terms with the Premier League club to complete a deal that ends his time in Venice.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb Brighton informed Venezia of their intention to activate the clause and have since reached a full agreement with the player on his contract, clearing the path for what will be one of the more straightforward transfers of the summer window.

Svoboda chose Brighton over rival interest from Hamburger SV and Borussia Monchengladbach, with the Premier League proving the decisive factor in his decision.

epa11687223 Venezia FC’s Michael Svoboda (2-R) scores the 1-2 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and FC Venezia in Monza, Italy, 27 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

Svoboda departs Venezia after promotion as Brighton snap up Serie A-proven defender

The departure is a significant blow for Venezia, who have just secured promotion back to Serie A and will now begin their return to Serie A without their captain.

Brighton’s decision to move quickly and trigger the clause reflects the value they see in a defender who has proven himself in Italy’s top flight, with Svoboda’s leadership qualities and technical ability clearly catching the eye of the Premier League club.